With the 7th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, The Portland Trailblazers select. . .

just listened to the Blazer part. I think the only semi-solid 'rumor, they had was Portland's desire to move up and have two top-10 picks. One of them kept saying Simons +7 +14 to Houston for 3 which is a major overpay in my view. And I doubt Houston wants to pair Green + Simons

they did say something funny that they got from an NBA guy who said "if you already have one small guard, you're out of the small-guard business". That memo needs to go to the Blazer front office

 

yeah, I know. I picked up the pipe after the first two trades

and those two trades (in various forms) have been my favorites for a while. The main think that makes them favorites is they actually seem realistic

 

From the "replies" section....here is a head scratcher from GuruTwoey

" The Trailblazer already have Scoot and Shaedon that need to develop the right way. Why try to draft another high talent guy that won’t be able touch the ball. Not even to mention they have Banton and Ayton. Terrible front office"

 

I'd be unsure also. I would not use that much assets to move up when there are no sure things in this draft.

 

I think we probably want 7 and 9

Or 5 and 9.

I think there's a couple guys that we want who won't be there past 10.

 

Yeah I would think between those two scenarios, 7 and 9 is what we are targeting as it is more realistic.

I am not sure who will be there at 5 that won't be there at 7...that would make a difference.
My guess is Sarr, Risacher, Sheppard, and Castle will go in the top 4....so who would they want to move up for at 5?

 

Damon, Derek, Bonzi — Anderson was listed @ 6’5 as was Bonzi. They all played smaller on D. That’s how I remember it.
A smallish PG, with a shorter SG and SF is just begging for problems. There are dudes where their grit, smarts, and want-to overcome lesser size and lesser physical abilities. Dudes find a way. They didn’t.

Simons has worth in the NBA. Baller. Athletic. Combo guard.
It’s Scoot vs. Ant for who stays as the PG. Cronin has to make the call on this one ASAP to maximize this rebuild.
Simons could even be a great 3rd guard on a contender — on a better defensive team with a coach and leaders who won’t accept poor D. This isn’t that team. Timing.

 

If might not be a matter of who's available. It might be what pick is most available.

Memphis supposedly wants Clingan. So we could, in theory, use 5 on Clingan and send him to Memphis for 9 and change. Keep 7.

I could see us taking some combo of:

Buzelis/Williams/Knecht/Salaun

 

Moving up in this Draft shouldn't cost nearly as much as 'normal'. That said, if they identify someone they really want, go out swinging. They are going to trade some of their vets anyhow....it might as well be for who they want on a rookie contract.

 

I will say it again this draft is weak in terms of "star" capitol but this draft is deep in terms of players who could be the 3rd to 7th player on a team and that could be valuable to a team like the Blazers. If I were to get into Cronin's head ( oh boy lol ) I am guessing he see's Scoot , Sharpe as the faces of this team and everyone else prolly tradeable for the right price. If this is the case then trying to build around them to make them a team capable of getting to the playoffs and maybe contending has to be his top priority but also realize this is prolly 2 to 3 years off so try and be flexible to a degree.

I think he will use 14 and Ant to get up to 3 that is my bold prediction with fallback spot being the Pistons at 5 -- I am not going to get specific on trade parts but I do think the targets for the 2 picks are the following players - going to list 3 to 5 and they will hope 2 of the 5 are there with the 2 picks ... in this order for most part

1) Castle
2) Clingan - ( 1a )
3) Buzelis
4) Knecht
5) Salaun ( wildcard )

If Cronin is not thinking this way then he is a clown not saying IF he does not do this but his thought process SHOULD be something like this period ...

Reason I put Castle at one is then Scoot becomes more of a scoring PG and then allows Castle to become a SG / PG who I envision being a Andre Miller type player but with lockdown D potential who can defend the 1 , 2 and maybe certain 3's

 

I know he’s not a positional need for us, but I can’t help wanting Sheppard.

 

Everyone says Scoot would’ve been a sure #1 this draft…

im not sure I would draft him over Sheppard

 

Hmm that is hard for me to see happening. What does Memphis have to add to the trade? They send us #9 for #5..... plus what?
And won't we need to #7 to move up to 5? Do you think 14 plus a player will get it done instead?

 

So our pick is Ron Holland as I understand.

 

14 and Grant for 5 is the idea thrown about.

And then maybe 5 for 9 and a 2026 pick.

Take someone like Buzelis at 7 and then Williams at 9.

 

Listening to the pod. KOC throws out this ridiculous 7/14/Simons for #3 idea and I'm sorry but if Cronin does that...... fucking fire him.

 

Nate -- Cronin is coming to take your Croninite Fan card from ya -- LOL -- JK

However to be serious i am not sure Cronin would be this stupid but IF he did I would have to agree with ya

 

But if we get 5....... for 14 and Grant....then why trade it? I would rather keep it instead of a future pick. I don't care how bad people think this draft is........ #5 this year will be just as good as a protected pick in 26'. We need young players NOW. I understand that we would be getting #9 this year as well, but I still would rather have 5 and 7